On 17 December 2008, Arab Media Watch adviser Guy Gabriel wrote to the Times about a commentary on the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at George Bush.

Dear Sir,
 
It is interesting to note the reaction of many Western journalists to the shoe-throwing incident, who dutifully report what an insult throwing a shoe is in the Arab world.
 
Has this not been overstated, with focus misplaced? Hugo Rifkind asks: "Who throws a shoe? Arabs do. We in the West…are somewhat in the minority in not having a problem with feet at all" ("Shoe insult: abusive or just lost in translation?" - 16 December 2008)
 
I am certain that it is not considered well-mannered in the West to throw shoes at someone's head.
 
Perhaps focus should instead be placed on the meaning behind Muntazer al-Zaidi's statement: "This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq."
 
Yours faithfully,

Guy Gabriel